Team India stun the cricket world as they hand a 295-run defeat to Australia in the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 in Perth. Despite both teams getting bowled out in their first innings, Indian openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul's 201-run partnership put the Aussies in the backseat. Captain Jasprit Bumrah's impressive performance with both bat and ball, along with the return to form of Virat Kohli, led to a dominant victory for India.
Team India's Historic Triumph: A Masterclass in Perth
Background:
The Border-Gavaskar Trophy is an intense rivalry between India and Australia in Test cricket, named after legendary cricketers Allan Border and Sunil Gavaskar. After losing the previous series in Australia, Team India was determined to make a statement in the 2024-25 edition.
Match Summary:
In the first Test at Perth, Australia won the toss and elected to bat first. However, the Indian bowlers led by Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj produced a stunning performance, dismissing the hosts for just 177 runs.
In response, India lost early wickets but young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal and experienced batsman KL Rahul steadied the ship with a mammoth 201-run partnership. Despite losing wickets towards the end of the innings, India posted an imposing 386 runs.
Australia's second innings proved even more disastrous. Bumrah's relentless pace and accuracy proved too much for the Aussie batsmen, and he claimed an impressive 6/27. Ravichandran Ashwin also played a vital role, picking up 4/32.
With Australia bowled out for a mere 91 runs, India recorded a resounding 295-run victory, handing the Aussies their heaviest defeat in a Test match since 1928.
Key Performers:
Top 5 FAQs:
Q1: Why was India's victory so significant? A1: It was India's first Test win in Perth in 13 years, and it gave them a much-needed boost after losing the previous series in Australia.
Q2: What were the factors behind India's success? A2: The team's strong bowling attack, led by Bumrah and Siraj, and the solid opening partnership between Jaiswal and Rahul played crucial roles.
Q3: How did Jasprit Bumrah's performance impact the match? A3: Bumrah's impressive bowling, especially in Australia's second innings, proved devastating for the hosts and played a major role in India's victory.
Q4: Does this victory impact the overall Border-Gavaskar Trophy series? A4: Yes, India's strong start gives them a significant advantage in the four-match series and puts pressure on Australia to stage a comeback.
Q5: What are the key challenges for Team India in the remaining Tests? A5: India will need to maintain their momentum and adapt to the different conditions in the remaining Tests, especially given Australia's strong home record.
The second day of the Indian Premier League (IPL) Auction 2025 saw a total of 84 players being auctioned at the Abadi Al Johar Arena in Jeddah, with a whopping 72 players being sold for a total of Rs 467.95 crore by the 10 teams. The most expensive signings included Rishab Pant, Shreyas Iyer, and Venkatesh Iyer, with the accelerated auction beginning from Player No. 117. Some exciting signings on Day 2 included Shubham Dubey and Shaikh Rasheed, who were picked up by Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings respectively. Stay tuned for updates on the accelerated auction process.
Former Kolkata Knight Riders all-rounder Nitish Rana became the centre of attention on the second day of the IPL 2025 auction as Rajasthan Royals secured him for Rs 4.20 crore. Rana's inclusion adds depth and experience to the Royals' batting lineup as they aim for a championship title. Despite fierce competition from CSK and RCB, RR emerged victoriously in the bidding war for the reliable middle-order batter. Other notable moments from the auction include Washington Sundar's move to Gujarat Titans and Sam Curran's return to Chennai Super Kings.
RCB's conservative approach at the IPL 2025 auction has drawn widespread criticism and trolling from fans and experts alike. Despite having a large purse, they chose not to secure marquee players and even let go of key player Mohammed Siraj, sparking outrage among supporters. The team's restrained bidding and online banter with rival team Lucknow Super Giants only added fuel to the fire, leaving fans disappointed and questioning RCB's strategy for the upcoming season.
Krunal Pandya, the left-arm finger spinner and middle-order batsman, has remained a consistent performer for Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League (IPL) since 2016. After being released by MI in 2022, he joined Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for a record-breaking price of INR 8.25 crore, but was then snatched up by RCB for INR 5.75 crore in the IPL 2025 mega auction due to his all-round skills and impressive performance in international cricket. Despite not getting as many opportunities in the national side as his brother Hardik Pandya, Krunal has proven himself to be a valuable asset for any team in the IPL.
In a post-match press meet, Indian cricket team captain Jasprit Bumrah showered praise on Virat Kohli for his exceptional performance in the first test of the Border Gavaskar Trophy. Despite facing a tough delivery in the first innings, Kohli's mental fortitude and experience helped him dominate the second innings and secure a victory for India. With his 30th Test century, Kohli surpassed Sachin Tendulkar's record for the most centuries by an Indian in Australia, solidifying his position as one of the greatest cricketers in the world.
Gujarat Titans has made some big moves ahead of the IPL 2025 auction, retaining Shubman Gill and other key players while also making some impressive signings including Kagiso Rabada and Jos Buttler. Despite being one of the youngest franchises in the league, GT has already made their mark with a trophy and a finals appearance. Keep up with all the latest updates on the IPL mega auction, including Gujarat Titans' picks.
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have secured the versatile all-rounder, Sam Curran, for the upcoming IPL 2025 season. After being released by Punjab Kings (PBKS), who purchased him for a high price in the 2023 auction, Curran was picked up by CSK in 2021. His impressive performances with both bat and ball have made him a valuable asset for the team. With CSK's strong lineup and Curran's ability to open the batting and swing the ball with the new ball, this reunion is bound to bring success for the five-time champions.
England's head coach Brendon McCullum stated that Archer's selection for The Ashes next winter is not a guarantee even if he is physically ready. Archer has been sidelined due to injury since 2021 and the team has been easing him back into the international set-up through white-ball cricket. McCullum also mentioned the strong competition for spots in England's team and stated that Archer needs to be fully fit and prove himself before being considered for the Test squad.
Deepak Chahar, an upcoming swing bowler from Rajasthan, has often been plagued with injuries throughout his career. Despite this, his performance in white ball cricket has been impressive, earning him a spot in India's national team. With a release from Chennai Super Kings due to limited playing time, Chahar has now caught the attention of Mumbai Indians who have spent a whopping INR 9.25 crore to secure him for the upcoming IPL 2025 season, making him their most expensive purchase at the auction.
The second day of the cash-rich Indian Premier League auction saw South African cricketer Faf du Plessis being bought by Delhi Capitals for Rs. 2 crores. The Royal Challengers Bangalore squad did not use their RTM card for Du Plessis, who has had a successful stint with Chennai Super Kings before. Meanwhile, Indian wicket-keeper Rishabh Pant made headlines on the first day of the auction after being picked by Lucknow Super Giants for a record-breaking Rs. 27 crores.